Euro 2012 player ratings: England

Roy Hodgson's England fell at the quarter-final stage once again, losing to Italy on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

After qualifying top of Group D, and avoiding the tournament favourites Spain, Hodgson's side felt confident of progression past their traditional quarter-final stumbling block. But, for the sixth time in seven attempts, England's penalty troubles came back to haunt them, as Ashley Cole and Ashley Young's missed spot-kicks cast England out, and sent Italy through to a semi-final tie with Germany.

GMF now looks back at England's tournament, and rates the player performances from the group stages through to the quarter-final.

Joe Hart: 7/10

A hugely reassuring presence in his first tournament as England's number one. Although he failed to get near Italy's spot-kicks, his performances over the course of the tournament were spot-on.

Glen Johnson 6/10

Carried his sketchy Liverpool form into the tournament and looked shaky defensively in the group stages. But an excellent performance against Italy demonstrated his undoubted ability, as he tested the Italian full-backs time and again in an adventurous first-half. England have plenty of young talent at his position - namely Kyle Walker and Micah Richards - so he will need to produce this form on a more consistent basis to keep his place.

John Terry 8/10

A commanding presence at the heart of a miserly England backline. His performances against France and Italy, when England were starved of possession the most, were his best. Looked vulnerable for spells against Ukraine but Terry was one of England's best players across the tournament.

Joleon Lescott 7/10

The Manchester City defender let nobody down with a series of composed displays alongside John Terry. England's defence was its strong point, and Lescott played an important role in a team that only conceded three goals.

Ashley Cole 7/10

Penalty miss aside, Cole carried his impressive Chelsea form into Euro 2012. Against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final he was superb, and for much of the tournament he played in the same vein. Normally so assured from the spot, his weak penalty was the only blemish on an otherwise accomplished showing.

James Milner 5/10

In the team as a defensive-minded wide-man, Milner's work-rate cannot be faulted. As ever, he clocked up the miles on the pitch, but tournament-winning teams don't sacrifice a creative role by putting a workaholic centre midfielder out wide. His performances were solid, if unspectacular, but he rarely affected the game in the final third.

Steven Gerrard 8/10

The England captain grew into his role during the tournament, and was his team's best player. England's tactical approach stifled his attacking edge, but Gerrard flourished alongside Scott Parker, and was at the centre of most of England's good play. Once again, his delivery was superb, and three out of five of England's goals came from Gerrard crosses.

Scott Parker 6/10

The Tottenham midfielder wasn't fully fit, and struggled to last the pace in most of England's games. His effort was typical of Hodgson's side, and he gave it everything when on the pitch. Unfortunately, the vast majority of his good work came without the ball.

Ashley Young 5/10

Even aside from the missed penalty against Italy, the Manchester United winger largely had a tournament to forget. In an England team which needed to cherish every second of possession, he gave the ball away too loosely, and Welbeck, Carroll and Rooney rarely saw his trademark delivery from the left-hand side. Nevertheless, he will be a key player for Hodgson in his World Cup qualification bid.

Wayne Rooney 5/10

It was always going to be difficult to come straight back into the team, and Rooney struggled with fitness against Ukraine and Italy. Ever willing to receive the ball, his lack of match-time told with too many careless touches, although his class was evident with a well-taken penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out.

Danny Welbeck 6/10

A key player for the future of Hodgson's England, and he showed his potential in spurts in Ukraine and Poland. A stunning goal against Sweden was the high point, but Welbeck struggled against the better sides, namely France and Italy. If he continues on his upward trajectory, he will be an excellent England player by Brazil 2014.

Substitutes

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 6/10

A successful first tournament for the Arsenal youngster. He settled well into the squad, and when thrown in against France, he was positive and more than held his own.

Theo Walcott 7/10

With England 2-1down to Sweden and looking set for an early exit, Walcott's introduction changed the game, and probably carried Hodgson's side through to top Group D. Made the most of his opportunity.

Andy Carroll 6/10

Widely criticised for much of the Premier League season, Carroll can be pleased with his contribution. A thumping header against Sweden was a magnificent way to mark his tournament debut, and he was a useful option off the bench against Ukraine and Italy.

Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: http://gms.to/writeforgms

Report author of article

DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Want more content like this?

Like our GiveMeSport Facebook Page and you will get this directly to you.